Healthcare facilities around the nation are strengthening security protocols. Meritus Medical Center, a hospital in Maryland, has implemented weapon detectors at all entrances to the facility.
Why are Stronger Security Protocols Needed?
The heightened safety protocols come in response to the epidemic of violence in medical facilities. Healthcare workers are the primary targets of this violence. Hospital employees have suffered a variety of abuses, including acts of physical and verbal violence. The Maryland Hospital Association found that eighty-eight percent of violent acts in hospitals were targeted at healthcare staff.
Healthcare workers experience a higher number of workplace injuries due to acts of aggression than any other career, according to the American Hospital Association. These acts of violence can come from visitors and even patients. Therefore, ensuring the safety of healthcare staff is more important now than ever.
How can Security Protocols be Strengthened?
Medical facilities can take a number of actions to ensure the safety of staff and patients. In addition to implementing metal detectors, Meritus Medical Center established a committee to consider safety improvements, reduced the number of entrances, and trained staff in de-escalating violent scenarios. They have begun coordinating with law enforcement, as well.
While there are many ways to improve safety in a healthcare setting, the best first step is training employees on what to do in the event of a violent incident. Ensuring staff can recognize and intervene in the event of a violent situation has the potential to save the lives of both staff and patients.
Get Certified
American Medical Compliance (AMC) is a leader in the industry for compliance, billing, and HR solutions. Learn more about keeping healthcare workers safe by taking AMC’s Violence in the Workplace for Healthcare Employees course today. Visit https://americanmedicalcompliance.com/ for more information.
Reference
Herald-Mail Media (2023, January 2). Meritus Medical Center adds additional security, safety protocols. Retrieved from: https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/story/news/local/2023/01/02/increase-in-verbal-physical-abuse-at-meritus-medical-center-hospital-leads-to-more-security/69766751007/.
